$25,000 Challenge
State Record Challenge
Break the Louisiana largemouth bass state record and claim the most coveted prize in Louisiana fishing history.
The Record to Beat
15.97 lbs
Current Louisiana State Record
Set by Greg Wiggins on Caney Lake, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana — 1994
The Louisiana largemouth bass state record has stood for over 30 years. Greg Wiggins landed a 15.97 lb largemouth on Caney Lake in 1994 — a catch that has never been surpassed in official Louisiana records. Louisiana Lunkers is putting up $25,000 for the angler who finally breaks it.
The Prize
$25,000
Cash Prize for Breaking the Louisiana State Record
Any angler who catches and officially verifies a largemouth bass exceeding 15.97 lbs in Louisiana waters during the active Louisiana Lunkers program period is eligible to claim the $25,000 State Record Challenge prize — in addition to all Legacy Lunker division awards.
The $25,000 State Record Challenge prize is proposed and subject to final sponsorship confirmation, official program rules, and independent verification. Full terms and conditions will be published with the official program launch.
Requirements
How to Claim the Challenge
Catch in Louisiana Waters
The fish must be caught in a Louisiana lake, river, bayou, or other qualifying waterbody during the active program period.
Exceed 15.97 lbs
The fish must weigh more than 15.97 lbs on a certified, calibrated scale. The weight must exceed — not tie — the existing record.
Independent Verification
The catch must be independently verified by a Louisiana Lunkers program administrator and meet all official program verification requirements, including witness attestation and photographic documentation.
LDWF Submission
The angler must also submit the catch to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for official state record consideration. Louisiana Lunkers verification is separate from LDWF's official state record process.
Active Program Membership
The angler must be a registered Louisiana Lunkers member at the time of the catch. Free membership is available at louisianalunkers.com/join.
Louisiana Record History
A Record That Has Stood Since 1994
The Louisiana largemouth bass state record is one of the longest-standing freshwater fish records in the state. Caney Lake in Claiborne Parish — the lake that produced the record — remains one of Louisiana's premier trophy bass fisheries today. The record has survived decades of fishing pressure, improved techniques, and countless trophy catches. It is waiting to be broken.
Caney Lake
Claiborne Parish, North Louisiana
Caney Lake remains one of Louisiana's top trophy bass destinations and is fully eligible for Louisiana Lunkers registration.
Think You Can Break It?
Join Louisiana Lunkers for free. Register your catches. And if you land the one — claim $25,000.